Mason Mount is demonstrating promising form in Manchester United's early pre-season matches, potentially solidifying his role in the team's midfield alongside new arrival Andrey Santos. Mount, who joined United from Chelsea in 2023 for £55 million, was noted for his capability in central midfield, a position he has frequently occupied throughout his career.
Despite his first two seasons at Old Trafford being affected by injuries, Mount made a consistent impact last term. Early indications from pre-season games against Wrexham and Rosenborg suggest a productive partnership is developing with Santos. Santos appears comfortable playing deep, collecting the ball from defenders, identifying passing opportunities, and pressuring opponents. This allows Mount to leverage his on-ball skills, find space, and advance the team up the pitch. While not his most noted attribute, Mount has also shown a willingness to make tackles.
"I've known Andre for a while," Mount stated. "He's a really good player and reads the game very well. He's a little bit more defensive, so it allows me to push on a little bit more and work off him. Defensively as well, we're both players that want to get around it, put tackles in, win the ball back and be aggressive. I've really enjoyed it. It's a position I've played for many years from a young age. It's a position that I love and I see myself in."
Mount has embraced his role as a senior professional during the summer's pre-season games. He has engaged with younger players, notably spending time with Shea Lacey before the match against Rosenborg. Lacey's opening goal in that game further highlighted his potential to secure a permanent place in the squad.
Looking ahead to the upcoming campaign, which includes a return to the Champions League, Mount expressed his readiness to contribute. "Next season we have a lot more games, which is what you want at a big club," he said in April. "Having the pressure of performing and winning games is what we love as players. If it's a start or coming off the bench, I'm ready."
Manager Erik ten Hag has recognized Mount's leadership qualities, briefly assigning him the captain's armband in Norway after Harry Maguire's substitution. "You have different types of leaders," Mount commented. "You have ones that are very vocal, but I see myself as one who leads by example and never stops working. I've been captain previously, years ago, so I love the role. Especially with a lot of younger players on the pitch, and off it as well, being able to speak to them and make them feel comfortable, it's something I really like."
As the transfer window remains open, Manchester United continues to be linked with potential signings. However, Mount's pre-season performances suggest the club may already possess key midfield assets.